Access to Survey Data

The Office of Strategic Planning & Institutional Research (OSPIR) is responsible for secure storage and reporting of consortial and core institutional survey data, as well as campus client survey data for projects implemented by OSPIR.

Consortium surveys:

Relevant aggregated data from consortium surveys are available to departments and administrators in alignment with OSPIR data access policies. OSPIR will inform appropriate VP or Dean prior to releasing the data. Please consult Consortium Surveys for more information on data availability and acceptable data uses.

Internal core surveys:

OSPIR reports aggregated data from core institutional surveys to University leadership and appropriate administrative units at the end of each survey administration. Standard reporting templates are designed in consultation with primary data users. Additional analysis of the data can be requested by interested units. Timeline for fulfillment of such requests will be determined based on University priorities and availability of OSPIR analysts. Any additional analysis and use of the data has to be consistent with the confidentiality promise and the survey purpose as communicated to survey respondents.

Campus client survey data:

Access to data from surveys administered by OSPIR on behalf of campus units is determined in consultation with those units. As a general rule, survey data from such projects are available to the client, to OSPIR analysts, and the relevant university senior leadership. In consultation with the client, OSPIR may use the data collected as part of client projects for strategic analysis and/or internal presentations.

OSPIR will report aggregated results to unit leadership at the end of survey administration. Standard reporting templates are designed in consultation with the client. Individually identifiable data will remain in OSPIR’s domain and will not be reported. Respondent-level data may be released to the client only in rare cases when there is compelling business need for individually identifiable data, and survey respondents have been informed of such intent at the time of survey administration. Additional analysis of the data can be requested as OSPIR capacity permits. Any additional analysis and use of the data has to be consistent with the confidentiality promise and the survey purpose as communicated to survey respondents.

Maximizing the use of existing data and campus resources:

We keep a log of assessment-related survey projects where OSPIR served as administrator, consultant, or population sample provider. If we receive a request that is similar or related to a recently conducted or planned study, we will inform the respective units so they could explore existing data sharing options, or adjust the study design to accommodate the need for additional information. This policy helps to prevent duplication in survey and focus group projects, promote inter-departmental awareness and cooperation, and use University resources wisely.